What We Learned From the NI Chamber President's Banquet
Publish Date:Posted 9 days ago
Author:by VANRATH
1,000+ business professionals. David Walliams. Alex Jones. And a room full of movers, shakers, and innovators.
This year's President's Banquet was a celebration of what makes Northern Ireland’s business community the powerhouse that it is. But beyond the glitz, there were lessons to take away—serious ones that deserve your attention.
Lesson 1: Connections Matter More Than Ever
The room was packed with professionals across industries, proving yet again that Northern Ireland thrives on relationships. Business in NI isn’t just all about the numbers or the spreadsheets - it’s about people.
What we all should be doing:
Show Up: Whether it’s a formal banquet or a networking coffee, be present. The best opportunities come from conversations.
Engage: Sitting silently at your table? Missed opportunity. Make it your mission to meet someone new at every event.
Follow Up: Networking doesn’t end when the event does. Connect on LinkedIn, send an email, or arrange a follow-up meeting.
Lesson 2: AI Isn’t the Future; It’s the Now
If Northern Ireland’s businesses don’t embrace AI, we’ll be left behind. AI is reshaping everything from recruitment to retail.
Brutal reality check: If you’re not adopting AI tools to streamline processes, analyse data, or improve customer experiences, you’re officially behind the curve.
What we should be doing:
Research how AI can help solve your business’s specific challenges.
Upskill yourself or your team on the basics of AI. (No, you don’t need to be a programmer to understand ChatGPT or automation tools.)
Start small—integrate one AI tool into your workflow and expand from there.
Lesson 3: Climate Change Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Cat McCusker highlighted the need for Northern Ireland to get back on track with its climate goals. And let’s be honest—it’s about time we all stopped just talking about sustainability and started actually doing something about it.
What this means for us:
Audit Your Impact: Whether you’re a small business or a multinational, know your carbon footprint.
Think Long-Term: Sustainable practices might cost more upfront, but they’ll save you money—and your reputation—in the long run.
Get Involved: Collaborate with other businesses to push for greener policies.
Lesson 4: Challenge the Status Quo
McCusker didn’t hold back when she called for business and political leaders to use their imaginations to challenge outdated ways of thinking. And let’s face it—she’s right. If you’re doing things the same way you were five years ago, you’re playing it too safe.
Ask yourself:
Are you innovating, or just surviving?
Are you stuck in a routine that’s limiting growth?
What risks could you take that might pay off in the long term?
Why Nights Like These Matter
Events like the NI Chamber President’s Banquet are about celebrating the resilience, creativity, and connections that make Northern Ireland a standout business hub.
If you’re a professional in NI and you’re not showing up to events that could benefit you or your company, you’re missing a huge opportunity to learn, network, and grow. Big nights like this remind us that no matter the challenges, Northern Ireland’s business community will keep moving forward.
